Labonte Joins MWH

Julie Labonte, formerly director of San Francisco PUC’s massive Water System Improvement Program (WSIP), has joined the program management team of MWH. Together with her counterparts in Asia Pacific and Europe-Africa, Labonte will be responsible for developing and nurturing client relationships and for supporting the delivery of MWH services to ongoing programs in the Americas.

“Program management is a service offering that encompasses all MWH operating groups and all geographies in which we operate. Because of the collaboration and leadership required, our team members for this service offering are always carefully considered,” said Dan McConville, president of MWH business solutions. “Julie has earned a great reputation for managing large, complex and sensitive programs, and we’re delighted to have her join our team.”

The $4.6 billion WSIP program is designed to upgrade water infrastructure, reduce the risk of damage due to earthquake, and protect water supplies. It included the construction of major tunnel projects including the Bay Tunnel, New Irvington Tunnel and New Crystal Springs Bypass Tunnel.

“Through my career, I have been fortunate to lead marquee programs, and program management has become my passion,” said Labonte, a registered Professional Civil Engineer with more than 25 years of experience in utility engineering in both the private and public sectors. “I’m ready for this new challenge, and I’m looking forward to transferring skills across business lines to assist clients in developing their strategic program management capabilities.”

Labonte has been named the 2013 Government Civil Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). In 2011, she received the Outstanding Civil Engineer in the Public Sector in the State of California award from the same organization.

Outside of the office, she serves on the national board of the Construction Management Association of America, and was recently named as chair of the board of directors of Africa Development Promise. Labonte is actively involved with the American Water Works Association, and is an avid volunteer for Water for People.

A native of Quebec, Canada, Labonte holds a bachelor’s degree in science in civil engineering from United States International University in San Diego, and dual master’s degrees in civil engineering from San Diego State University and in environmental engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

Labonte will continue to reside in San Francisco, Calif.